The Lincoln Project, known for its opposition to President Donald Trump, is facing severe backlash after releasing a video implying that former White House strategist Steve Bannon would be sexually assaulted in prison. The video, which was posted on social media, sparked outrage for its insensitive content.
The video, titled “The cost of being Trump’s bitch? Becoming a prisoner’s bitch,” was released shortly after Bannon reported to prison. It featured a voiceover saying, “Hey Steve, a wise man once said, ‘Kick someone’s ass the first day or become someone’s bitch.’
Of course, you may run into some problems on both of those fronts.” The video also included footage of a man in a shower and continued to mock Bannon’s appearance, suggesting he would join a gang of prison skinheads.
Reactions on social media were swift and harsh. Conservative journalist Chad Felix Greene, who is a rape survivor, expressed his disgust, stating that using rape as a political tool is unacceptable. Robby Soave of The Hill and Reason magazine’s Billy Binion also condemned the video, calling it “absolutely disgusting” and “repulsive.”
The Atlantic’s Conor Friedersdorf and National Review’s Dan McLaughlin criticized the Lincoln Project for taking pleasure in the prospect of prison rape, labeling it “very on-brand” for the group.
The Lincoln Project, established in 2019 by anti-Trump Republicans, previously faced scandal in 2021 when co-founder John Weaver was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple men, including a teenager. Reports indicated that some leaders of the Lincoln Project were aware of the allegations long before they became public.
The controversy surrounding the video highlights ongoing issues within the Lincoln Project and raises questions about the group’s tactics and ethics.
